Take an ordinary guy, get him a little too close to Dean Karnazes and he gets a great idea. Run from home Kirkwood, MO to Arkansas some 300 miles away. Why? To raise money for Girls on the Run. I thought you folks would be interested in his story. Below are his words
As for the MO-AR TREK “reason for being”:
The idea started on a run I was on with ultra running legend Dean Karnazes. It was late 2006, and Dean had just completed 50 marathons, in all 50 states, in 50 consecutive days. His 50th marathon was in NYC. After the race, he decided he would run home from NYC to SAN FRANCISO (not a typo!). Dean was inviting people to run with him for any portion of the journey home to get people out and active.
What I realized on during a day of running with Dean (through a portion in Ohio) was that taking the initiative to set the example, and inviting people to participate in being active is a great way to help change some of the difficult problems we face in the U.S. I’m particularly concerned about our children. Nearly 1 of 3 are overweight or obese. By the time our kids are adults, about 2 out of 3 are overweight. I believe teaching our kids good habits while their young is the best way to ensure they take care of their selves when they are older, not to mention passing along their quality habits to their own offspring, thus perpetuating the cycle that can help get our health back on track as a nation.
I too want to set a good example and get people involved on a “local” level. I’ve decided to use my long time dream of a multi-day 300+ mile run from Kirkwood, MO to Bentonville, AR as an awareness tool. I want to show people that an average person like me can do extraordinary t hings if they are willing to put forth the effort. I also want to get people involved and invite them to participate in a portion of the run. Getting people active and burning calories is the only way our situation gets better than it is today. I also want to show people that being active is fun, adventurous and, in itself, worthwhile.
Girls on the Run is an organization that promotes exactly what I value: teaching our children that a healthy active lifestyle is important and attainable for everyone. That’s why 100% of the proceeds I raise for this event will be divided evenly amongst the 3 GOTR councils I’m working with in Missouri. Those councils are St. Louis, Central Missouri (Clinton, MO) and GOTR of Queen City, MO (Springfield, MO). All support for me during the run (food, hydration, hotel rooms, etc.) are on my own dime, which is the major portion of my contribution to the cause.
What’s more, Dean Karnazes (whom I mentioned before) runs this charity and has not only committed that 100% of the funds we raise for MO-AR TREK will go to these GOTR councils in Missouri, but he’s also committed a matching donation of $1.00 per mile that I complete during the run. It’s great to have someone of Dean’s caliber helping the cause!
Comments
Good cause
Kids and running are two of my favourite things so here's a Canadian friend who will be cheering for him. Go, Jason!
Thanks for sharing this
Thanks for sharing this inspiring story, Kristie.
New member
I understand this crazy man will be wearing club colors during his run. Will look great on him and us
Go Jason Eads!
You are right, Kristie. Jason is the newest Club Fat Ass member. His shirt is in the mail. Can't wait to see photos for the Travelling Colours Contest.